Cork is completely natural and biodegradable.
In addition, cork can be recycled without releasing toxic waste. Cork is also extracted in a very nature-friendly way. If a cork oak is at least 25 years old, the bark can be removed every 9 years. This has no further effect on the tree.
Where does the cork come from?
Cork comes from the cork oak. This is a tree from which the bark can be removed every 9 years. The tree must be at least 25 years old. These trees are mainly found in Portugal and Spain. The climate here is ideal for growing cork. In Portugal alone there are more than 725,000 hectares of cork oak forest, representing 30% of the world cork oak population. And the way cork is harvested means forests thrive in areas where other economically viable crops cannot grow.
Cork is also mined in China, but the best quality comes from Portugal.
What makes cork special?
Unlike other bark, cork has a unique ability to withstand heat, vibration and noise. For this reason, cork is used in soundproof music studios, as an insulator for rockets, and as vibration classes in electrical appliances.
In addition, cork is very elastic and resists large deformations without breaking under pressure.
Is cork antimicrobial?
Cork is naturally resistant to dust and mite growth, making it an ideal material for allergy sufferers and asthmatics
How is cork made?
The cork is first harvested from a cork oak. They do this by removing the bark when the tree is ready. Think of it like shearing a sheep, the tree loses its jacket but does not suffer if done at the right time. Then the bark is boiled, which cleans it and gives it a higher density.